Let’s conduct an honest review of the National Baptist Convention's Sunday School Publishing Board. One of the great things about the Convention is its Sunday School Publishing Board.

While I have been highly critical of the broader Baptist denomination—despite pastoring a small Baptist church—I must acknowledge the invaluable resource this board provides for Christian education.

Among my criticisms of the convention is its leadership’s handling of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, which I believe rushed God’s people into decisions without addressing valid concerns.

Let me be clear: I am not an anti-vaxxer. Had I not contracted and recovered from COVID-19 in December 2020, I might have made a different decision. However, I praise God that I did not have to inject what many now believe to be harmful substances into my body.

As a member church of the convention (though we’ll see how long that lasts), I must highlight something extraordinary they offer: the Sunday School Publishing Board.

Since arriving at my current pastorate in late 2016, I’ve seen significant changes in how our church conducts Kingdom business (Prov. 4:7, Jam. 4:17). One of these changes was the need to draft a more theologically sound church covenant.

A particularly challenging issue is the stance on alcohol consumption, which cannot be biblically supported. If drinking alcohol is inherently sinful, then Jesus Himself would be a sinner.

Not only did He drink wine, but real communion is based on fermented wine, and His first miracle involved creating wine at a wedding (Matt. 11:19, Matt. 26:27-29, 1 Cor. 11:25). Furthermore, Paul advised Timothy to drink wine for his stomach’s sake (1 Tim. 5:23).

Despite these theological debates, one thing I firmly uphold as the spiritual leader of my congregation is the exceptional Christian education curriculum provided by the Sunday School Publishing Board (Titus 1:9, 1 Tim. 4:16, 2 Tim. 1:13).

A local pastor of the largest African American church in Iowa once dismissed these lessons as worthless, even suggesting they should be used as toilet paper. This was deeply troubling, especially given his advanced degree.

During a subsequent theological debate, I realized the inadequacy of his understanding (Matt. 15:7-9, 1 Tim. 1:7). As someone who also pursued advanced theological training, I speak from a place of knowledge and conviction.

Here are five things I love about the Sunday School lessons:

1. Baptist Sunday School Lessons Are Simple

These lessons are designed to feed the sheep, as Jesus told Peter: “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to them it is not given” (Matt. 13:10-13).

The goal of any curriculum is to equip students so they can, in turn, equip others (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 8:30-35, 1 Tim. 2:2). For several years, I taught these lessons on YouTube, amassing over 4,300 subscribers. Praise God for that season!

2. Church Deacons Can Teach Them

While deacons are not anointed as preachers or shepherds (1 Tim. 3:1-13), they are qualified to teach. The Sunday School Publishing Board provides not only lesson books but also teacher’s guides, making it accessible for deacons to lead effectively.

3. Initiates Asking Holy Ghost Questions

The lessons include thought-provoking “What Do You Think?” questions that spark deeper discussions. Scripture is not about our opinions but about what the Holy Spirit reveals (2 Tim. 2:15, 2 Pet. 1:20-21, 2 Pet. 3:16). These questions often reveal doctinal differences, error really, in both teachers’ and students’ thinking, aligning with our ministry’s goal of questioning traditions that may hinder the Holy Spirit’s work (Mark 7:7-8, Eph. 4:14).

4. Produces Insightful Comments

I eagerly anticipate the comments from congregants during lessons. Insightful comments demonstrate spiritual growth, while off-topic remarks provide opportunities to build trust and understanding (Phil. 1:9-10, 2 Pet. 3:18). Leaders must guide discussions with grace, ensuring they reflect the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

5. Builds Church Community

As the bride of Christ, we are called to experience community here on earth, preparing for the ultimate wedding feast in eternity (Rev. 19:6-9). Unfortunately, some Baptist pastors teach eternal security (“once saved, always saved”), which I believe is a dangerous doctrine.

If your pastor supports this view, ask him to provide one biblical example of someone who chose to leave God’s presence and was forced to remain. There is no such example (Isa. 14:12-17, Rev. 21-22). Eternal security is a lie that undermines the call to live faithfully.

Conclusion

As a watchman and pastor, it is my duty to critique what needs critiquing. Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul all called out error when they saw it (Matt. 3:7, Matt. 23:27, Acts 13:10, Gal. 3:1). Yet, the Bible also instructs us to give honor where honor is due (Rom. 13:7). The Sunday School Publishing Board, as an arm of the National Baptist Convention, deserves our gratitude and praise for its invaluable contribution to Christian education.